As long ago as 1624, John Donne very perceptively wrote: "Any man's death diminishes me". Malta has recently been diminished by the death of one of its most eminent and gifted sons, Mro Joseph Fenech.
The third generation of a well-known musical family hailing from Naxxar, Fenech was born on October 21, 1917, to Benedetto and Giovanna, daughter of Vittorio Scerri (1858-1942) whose wide-ranging talent besides music included painting, decoration and poetry. Fenech's natural aptitude for music, which evolved in three main fields, was evident from an early age.
In the time-honoured indigenous pattern was his involvement in church music. When only 12, Fenech became organist of Naxxar parish church, a position he held for over four decades. In 1967 he was appointed maestro di cappella of the church, when his attention to musical detail during the liturgy was much appreciated. For personal reasons he retired from this and other musical activities in 1971 and only returned briefly to liturgical music in 1980.
As a pianist, Fenech's extensive abilities were acknowledged in public concerts held between 1949 and 1957. As soloist in many piano concertos or piano recitals, his musicianship, intellectual perception of the score, and the technical precision of interpretation were widely admired.
But his ability on the piano went further. Not as widely known was his activity as a jazz player. Throughout the 1940s and up to 1955 he worked both as a soloist and in combos. His flair for syncopation and rhythmic improvisation made him a much sought after 'popular' musician.
As a composer, Fenech did not limit himself to sacred works. Thus, his Barcarolle and Tarantella Brillante for piano, cello and violin, was judged by Sir Arthur Bliss and won first prize in the 1957 Rediffusion National Music Contest. But it was in liturgical works that he was most prolific.
An indication of the pride which Fenech felt in the artistic achievements of his forefathers is that his major liturgical work, the Missa Sancte Joseph (1980), was inspired by the golden jubilee of the priesthood and nomination as monsignor of St John's Co-Cathedral of his uncle, the late Fr Carmelo Scerri (1905-1981), the talented organist and composer. The highly acclaimed work was premiered on June 1, 1980, during a thanksgiving Mass celebrated by his uncle in Naxxar.
Some of Fenech's best known works were featured in a memorable concert at St John's Co-Cathedral in February 2008 by the National Philarmonic Orchestra conducted by Chris Muscat and various soloists, together with the Jubilate Deo and Collegium Musicum choirs; it was held to honour his 90th birthday.
A quiet person of marked gentlemanly attributes, Fenech always tried to give the best of himself and in music that meant excellence. The Naxxar council publicly acknowledged his achievements in 1997 when it awarded him the Ġieħ in-Naxxar. He passed away peacefully at Mater Dei Hospital on March 28 but he will forever be remembered through his music.
Joseph Fenech is a Maltese person who we should boast about.